WHISKAS Crowns National Cat of the Year 2015‏ @ AEON AU2, Setiawangsa

Mars Foods Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Mars) crowned Cha Cha as the WHISKAS National Cat of the Year 2015 recently, at a Grand Finale for the competition, held on 3 October at AEON AU2 in Setiawangsa here. Cha Cha, a five year old cat owned by Nurul Hanin binti Ismail, was judged to be the cat that best epitomised the 3 key signs of a healthy cat - Bright Eyes, Shiny Fur Coat and Lively and Energetic. The parent and furkid took home a cash prize of RM10,000 and a year’s supply of WHISKAS cat food.

Nurul Hanin binti Ismail and Cha Cha took home a cash prize of RM10,000 and a year’s supply of WHISKAS cat food.

Meanwhile, there were three category winners. Three year old Aany owned by Noor Adilah binti Mohd Rukon won in the Bright Eyes category, Cabella, aged four years owned by Mohd Shadirwan bin Abu Bakar won in the Shiny Fur Coat category, while Jiwa Malaya, a two years eight months cat owned by Mohd Sahrizam bin Samsuri won in the Lively and Energetic category. Each category winner received RM5,000 in cash and a 6-month supply of WHISKAS cat food.

The four winners were chosen from 15 finalists that appeared at the Grand Finale. The other 11 finalists each took home a Consolation Prize of a 6-month supply of WHISKAS cat food. All cats were judged based on three main criterias which are - Bright Eyes, Shiny Fur Coat and Lively and Energetic by a panel comprising celebrity Syakila Nisha Jangir, better known as Kilafairy, Khalid Rashid, President of the Malaysia Cat Club and Dr Susan Wan, veterinarian from Whiskas Malaysia. The competition categories are based on the characteristics of a healthy cat, which WHISKAS’ proprietary Vital System benefits can help achieve.

“Malaysia is truly a nation of cat lovers. We’ve had a great selection of entries, which made it quite difficult to narrow down the finalists and choose the winners, but I’m glad that we have so many healthy, happy and well-loved cats in Malaysia. Through our roadshow, we hope to share knowledge on proper cat nutrition and care with even more Malaysians. We have also collaborated with PAWS to encourage all Malaysians to give a home to rescue cats, instead of buying their feline pets,” said Yee Pek Kuan, Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia from Whiskas Malaysia.

One of the contestant demonstrating his cat on stage and the event was emceed by actor Zoey Rahman.

The competition, which kicked off on 1 June 2015, had received an overwhelming response of over 6, 000 entries from all over Malaysia when submissions closed on 31 July. To take part, participants were required to send in a photo of their feline furkid in one of the three categories via Facebook or via Pos Malaysia’s normal postal service, together with proof of purchase for any WHISKAS product.

Gym for the cat – basically a place where the cats can chill and play.

The Grand Finale, emceed by actor Zoey Rahman, was the highlight of a six-day WHISKAS roadshow at AEON AU2 from 29 September to 4 October 2015. Activities at the roadshow included a cat adoption drive with the PAWS Animal Welfare Society on 3 and 4 October, sampling and sales of WHISKAS products, lucky draws for customers, quizzes and giveaways for the public, free gifts for visitors who share information on the event on social media, free gifts with purchases during the roadshow days, and activities for children including cat-themed face and body painting.

Cats and kittens health examined by the doctor

Dr Susan also gave a talk to the public on proper cat care, including basic knowledge for optimum health, information on healthy cat diets tailored to their age, and guidance on basic cat grooming.

This event is also supported by PAWS. There were some items for sale and I guess the profit will be going to funding PAWS itself.

Staff engraving our pet names onto the metal tag.

A wide range of Whiskas products were up for sale with promotional price

Grooming corners by professionals for the cats and kittens at the event.

Some free Whiskas product samples can be redeemed at this corner

Cats for adoption at the event. I have two cats at home, Glen and Bailey. Both of them used to be stray cats and we adopted into our home. Life has been pretty cheerful for me especially when I'm alone at home, with them, I will never feel lonely. So if possible, please adopt these lovely cats instead of buying them from pet stores.